FAITHWRITERS NEWLETTERFaithWriters.com news and information for the write-brained Christian!

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." – Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

Every year, our local radio station holds a couple of radioathons for Compassion International and other ministries that help underprivileged children around the world. The radio station you listen to may do the same. One thing I know: hearing about these kids always touches my heart and makes me want to dig into my pockets and give. And it should. As Christians, it is our responsibility to do what we can to help those who aren't as fortunate as we are.

However, hunger isn't always limited to food.

What do you hunger for? Maybe it's a better job. Perhaps it's more money. A better marriage. A new baby. A publishing contract. Our personal hungers may differ, but there is one thing that we all should hunger for. And when we do, God promises to fill us up. That one thing is righteousness. Seeking after what's right – in God's eyes, not necessarily our own - will bring us blessing. I don't know about you, but I want to be blessed and filled! So every time you feel a hunger pain for food, money, or a publisher, I encourage you to check your hearts and ask to see if you are also hungering for what's truly important.

And, just for fun, check out the Out of the Mouths of FaithWriters section at the end of this newsletter to find out what food and drink items your fellow FaithWriters members wouldn't want to live without.

NEW TO FAITHWRITERS?

Welcome to all the new members! We're thrilled that you're here and hope you'll find FaithWriters to be a blessing to you and a place where you can grow into the writer God called you to be.

Because the site can seem overwhelming at first, a Step by Step guide has been created for you with instructions on different aspects of the site. So before you dive in, please take a moment to read this helpful guide that is sure to answer many of your questions. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us at faithwriters.contact@yahoo.com.

And don't forget to click on over to the message boards to say hi and introduce yourself. Allow us to give you a warm, FaithWriters welcome! http://www.faithwriters.com/myaccount/new-boards.php. The forums require a separate registration from your regular FaithWriters account. You'll need to register and create a unique user name in order to begin posting on the boards.

See you there!

FAITHWRITERS CONFERENCE

The message boards are already buzzing about this year's U.S. FaithWriters conference to be held on August 7 and 8 at the Radisson hotel in Livonia/Detroit, Michigan. The first conference, held in 2007, was a huge success and this one promises to be even better! You'll be able to improve your writing skills and fellowship with other writers. Best of all, you'll finally be able to meet face-to-face the wonderful friends you've made on the message boards and get to know the writers behind those Challenge entries. It's certainly an event you won't want to miss!

Do you have a product or service you'd like to promote? Don't want to pay high advertising costs? No worries! Advertise in the FaithWriters Marketplace. There are several categories to choose from, such as clothing, contests, editing, business, website design, books, ministries, gifts, and more.

When you become a 500 member, you receive FREE advertising in the FaithWriters Marketplace! This is a savings of $20 per month. That's DOUBLE the monthly cost of a 500 membership!

Do you have kids who love to write? Would you love to find a place like FaithWriters that your children could learn and practice writing skills and even get valuable feedback on their work? Why not sign them up for FaithWriters for Kids? FaithWriters for Kids is a scaled-down version of FaithWriters, tailored specifically to kids ages 7 – 14.

Kids can read and comment on other members' work and post their own articles, stories, and poetry. Following in the footsteps of the FaithWriters Writing Challenge, there's even a Weekly Topic to get their creativity flowing. FaithWriters for Kids is a wonderful site where children can express themselves through the art of writing. Get your children and other kids you know turned on to FaithWriters for Kids. Help create the next generation of Christian writers!Check it out: http://kids.faithwriters.com/

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF FAITHWRITERS

In keeping with the hunger theme this month, I asked FaithWriters members the following question:

If you could only choose one food and one beverage to eat and drink for one week, what would they be?

Here are some of their answers:

"Easy - If I had to have the same food and drink for a week it would be bacon pizza and sweet tea. I would have all the food groups in one food." – Shari Armstrong

"Mashed potatoes and coffee." – Jan Ackerson

"Well, I've lived on pizza and Kool-Aid for a long time before, but that was just for lunch. So I'd say--milk and spaghetti with meatballs and mushrooms." – Michele Fritchie

"I would have to include my three favorite food groups: sugars, carbs and caffeine. I'll have to say, Cheesecake Factory Godiva Chocolate cheesecake and big fat lattes." – Michele Roach